PV, turbines and wooden racking point to green future

The future distribution centre will be considerably more green than at present, according to Brian Whale, senior logistics consultant at Swisslog.

Speaking at Swisslog's 2010 Retail Day, held yesterday near Loughborough, Whale said solar photovoltaic, wind turbines and wooden racking would all play an increasing role in the dc.

Companies like McCain UK already generate considerable proportions of the power they use through on-site renewable sources, he added.

In addition, in the US, a massive solar PV system has been installed at a distribution centre.

Kyocera installed the 1.322MW system at NFI's New Jersey warehouse. The installation is capable of producing enough energy to power about 200 homes for a year. The system will help reduce NFI's electric bill by up to $25,000 a year.

Swisslog's Retail Day was attended by representatives from a number of key retailers including Tesco, Boots, Poundland, Marks and Spencer, and Co-operative Food.